Brain scans reveal why your grandkids can't stop scrolling—and what Australian families can do

If you've ever watched a grandchild or young family member become completely absorbed in their phone, swiping through endless videos or reels on social media with an almost trance-like focus, you might have wondered if something deeper was going on.

Unfortunately, new research suggests your instincts were spot on.

Scientists from China's Tianjin Normal University have conducted groundbreaking brain imaging studies involving 111 college students, revealing that short-video addiction creates physical changes in the brain remarkably similar to those seen in alcohol and gambling addictions.

For Australian families, these findings come at a particularly relevant time as new laws taking effect on 10 December 2025 will ban under-16s from major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

The alarming brain changes uncovered

The research found increased grey matter volume in the cerebellum and orbitofrontal cortex—brain regions crucial for decision-making, emotional processing and regulation—in participants with higher levels of short-video addiction.

But perhaps more concerning, researchers identified 500 genes linked to these brain changes, with most expressed during adolescence, suggesting this is a particularly vulnerable time for developing addiction-like behaviours.

The similarities to traditional addictions are striking.

People with short-video addiction show reduced sensitivity to financial losses and make faster, more impulsive decisions, with distinct brain activation patterns during decision-making—behaviours linked to substance use and gambling addictions where individuals prioritise short-term rewards over long-term consequences.

How the addiction develops

The mechanism is deceptively simple yet powerful. Short videos are designed with algorithm-driven content recommendation systems, brevity and variety of content, and instant gratification—all engineered to trigger massive dopamine releases in the brain's reward system.

As Stanford Medicine addiction researcher Keith Humphreys explains: 'We've got an old brain in a new environment.'

Modern humans have become inundated with easy access to things that light up reward pathways—all engineered to deliver faster, more intense dopamine spikes than anything in nature.

Clinical psychologist Dr Ayesha Bal, who works with youth digital addiction cases, notes: 'The rapid, unpredictable format of these videos enhances their addictive potential by constantly offering new stimuli which hijack the brain's natural reward system.'

The Australian family context

This research has particular significance for Australian families. While social media usage remains highest among younger users, the gap between generations is narrowing as older Australians increasingly embrace digital platforms.

But there's a fascinating twist in the research. A separate 2024 study using data from China's Family Panel Studies found that short video usage can actually enhance mental health in elderly people, suggesting our brains may respond differently to these platforms at different life stages.

Australia's protective response

The Australian Government has taken decisive action. From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts, aiming to protect young people from pressures and risks that harm their health and wellbeing.

Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to $49.5 million. The restrictions are expected to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

Recognising the warning signs

In China, users spend an average of 151 minutes daily watching short-form content, and research suggests that heavy short-video use leads to symptoms of burnout, reduced motivation, and impaired decision-making.

What families can do now

While the new laws will help protect children, families don't need to wait. The eSafety Commissioner recommends using this time to teach healthy online habits and responsible online behaviour, with resources for managing parental controls and starting difficult conversations.

Stanford researchers emphasise that recovery is possible, though it takes time, and the brain may not fully return to its pre-addiction state. Understanding these mechanisms helps families approach the problem with compassion rather than judgment.

For Australian families concerned about short-video addiction, headspace (Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation) provides specific guidance on discussing social media restrictions, while the eSafety Commissioner offers ongoing resources and support.

A uniquely Australian approach

The delay in account access until 16 aims to give young people more time to develop important skills and maturity before facing the risks of age-restricted social media. This represents a world-first approach that other countries are watching closely.

The research serves as both a warning and a call to action. While we can't turn back the clock on technology, understanding these brain changes helps families make informed decisions about digital wellbeing across all generations.

Most importantly for Australian families, this isn't just about restriction—it's about protection and education.

As the Government notes: 'There is no one perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online—but the social media minimum age will make a significantly positive difference to their wellbeing. The rules are not a set and forget, they are a set and support.'

What are your thoughts on Australia's new social media age restrictions? Have you noticed changes in your family members' behaviour around short-form video platforms? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below!